Dynamic Iridescent Signalling in the peacock jumping spiders Maratus

ongoing

Iridescence, a change in colour with viewing direction, is an optical effect that is abundant in nature. Many insects, birds, plants, and arachnids exhibit iridescence and yet very little is known about the functions of this dynamic signal nor how it has evolved. DynISM will make significant progress towards understanding these fundamental biological questions by taking advantage of a particularly colourful group of spiders, the peacock jumping spiders. Using state-of-the-art approaches in optical physics, behavioural ecology, and evolutionary biology, DynISM will elucidate the mechanisms by which these spiders generate iridescence, how they use these dynamic signals, and how iridescence has evolved within this group. By uncovering the mechanisms employed by nature to generate unique optical effects, like iridescence, DynISM will also have significant implications for the field of bio-inspired photonic materials.